Unofficial Snapchat client ‘Snapback’ for Windows Phone in beta development. Here’s what it looks like

While an official Snapchat client is still a ways off, developers are trying their hand once again at clone apps for Windows Phone 8

We’ve seen unofficial Snapchat (snapchat.com) clients come and go for Windows Phone. The popular imaging service that prides itself on photos that “expire” after a short, pre-determined viewing time is one of the few holdouts for Microsoft’s platform. There was talk of an official client coming to Windows Phone, but complications related to API requirements i.e. disabling screen capturing, has reportedly put the project on hold.

Presently, Delimarsky’s ‘Snapback’ client is the most advanced in development, being at beta version 1.16, with daily updates. The app is currently in closed-beta, meaning it is invite-only and it will probably be another week or two before it is submitted to the Windows Phone store. It’s not clear if the app will pass, or if it does pass, whether the Snapchat company will allow a clone app to remain available.

According to Den, the goal of Snapback is to reach “feature parity” with the iOS and Android versions and so far, it’s coming along effortlessly. As can be seen from the above images, the app features various sections, including

Snaps – Received + Sent

Friends – Add, find and view current contacts

Rear + Front facing camera support with toggle

Video mode

Default snap time setting

Flash control

What’s currently missing are Toast /Live Tile notifications and a Lens, though we’re betting those features will be stacked on before release when Delimarsky is ready. The app so far has been receiving regular updates and Delimarsky is certainly a competent developer, resulting in a great looking app.

Will Huyn be able to outdo Delimarsky? To be honest, it doesn’t matter. Both will release gorgeous apps for the Windows Phone platform, giving users yet another method to participate in the latest social fad. We’re excited to see what comes next.

Windows Phone Central will keep you posted on Snapback’s status, including planned launch and any further news. You can follow Den’s progress on Twitter @DennisCode.

I had swapchat and this app is much better. Doesn't have lag times, weird camera flips or those random glitches! And it won't be yellow or feature ghost motifs because he wants his app to be different because its not the official snapchat client. Although I do believe the logo could use work!

It's another one of those mainstream apps that's popular on iOS/Android, currently popular amongst teen/young adults. It's considered to be a "core" app, in that it's something people are looking for before deciding to switch to WP.

I'm gonna assume u don't use it either because lol I've graduated college and all my friends use it. Its like a fun text messaging. You make faces and have convos. And its a quick way to share photos of something you know only certain friends would get

Seriously. The fact that you look at a pic and its gone vs a permanent one that they have is that difficult of a concept? If you have never used snapchat for more than a few days with multiple ppl u wouldn't understand

I'm holding on to snapchat too. The app has errors in the users favors. Swapchat restarts the picture count if you close the app before the timer run out. Also doesn't tell people when you screen cap them. I see it more as a feature than missing features lol

Yea if you never got a chance to sign up for the beta I understand but snapback is actually really awesome. A few more features like showing best friend scores and allowing/editing display names and its will be on par.

That's silly even if its his first app he could be awesome, and it never hurts to check out a new app its not like you only get one chance to download a snapchat client and if you are wrong you can't ever again! I don't get ppl

Well with snapchat, you have to hold the screen right? Once you let go, the image goes away? Well you can't press the windows key when you're already touching the screen... Or is this just a Lumia 820 thing? I can't take screenshots of snapchats because of this.

In order to view a "snap", you need to press and hold the screen. Letting go of your finger on the screen returns you to your default snap list. You also have [x] seconds to view the picture once you've started the press/hold.

So what he's saying is that there's no way to press/hold the screen + take a screen shot (press home button + power), since your finger can't be on the screen while taking a screen shot.

Loving the beta so far. Only bummer is the inability to double tap to reply to a snap, Snapchat Stories and viewing your points/best friends off of the friends list. Aside from that, really enjoying the experience.

I still have swapchat. Even though its been pulled so no more updates come through it still runs smoothly. Tbh i rarely use snapchat now, the buzz has worn off. Although i will download Rudy's incarnation of snapchat. I like his apps.

The last one got removed because it didn't abide by Snapchat's inherent features (notification of screenshot, timed photos). If this and Rudy's app complies, I don't see why they'd remove it. (At least not right away...)

Silly guy then if you can't make the official why not let others use the third party until you can. That's just selfish and a bad company image. People will migrate to the official once its out because people like the labels the brand names no matter how good an off brand is. Beside most people wouldn't even know about it cuz they don't do research. If it doesn't say IG, Vine, or Snapchat then it doesn't exist. So back to my original statement. If you can't release your own that no reason to block other's. And if you really think about it, if third party people can make theirs why can't they, then update it once the WP API allows for better customization. I may be simplifying it but at the end of the day they are still stopping an experience selfishly!

Windows 8.1 is coming out in the next few months get off this 7.8 fix like that phone is updated complaining about why things aren't coming out is pointless. If they rewrote the entire thing to make WP8 there's a reason. So if ita just one guy making this app he isn't going to have the resources to make the app. Besides the world is moving forward. If you don't wanna spend lots of money go get a L520, L521 or wait for the L525

What are some of the API issues associated with Snapchat not working exactly? What about the screenshot issue that is prevented currently in the API? I would love to know a bit more about outstanding API issues with WP versus the competition, not just as it relates to Snapchat but other apps as well (like accessing saved videos). Maybe a possible future feature?

Snapchat = disappearing photos. After [x] seconds, the photo disappears/is deleted. To prevent/discourage people from screencapping, if the recipient does do so, it notifies the sender.

Instagram = social network focusing on photos. It's the simplicity of its use that has so many people using it. You can have an audience or you can just share amongst your friends. Only useful if you have a friends who take a lot of pictures and who share. Just following random people and seeing their photos isn't so much fun, and probably the reason why a lot of people on here dislike it, or write it off quickly.

Whatsapp/MMS are the same, imo. Just depends on your usage and whether data is a factor for you.

Email is outdated. I only use email to share photos with family members as they're technologically deficient.

Did you seriously ask this! Its like asking what's the difference between an exotic sports car, a sedan, and family mini van. Saying there all cars is a gross simplification they all do certain things and fit different situations!

A hotmail address is a live account. The process is not automatic. The developer would have to manually enter the addresses from the survey into the store to permit you to download. At this time he isn't adding any more beta testers (from his twitter).

I sent my windows phone/store e-mail through the link and it's been 2 days now and I've still not been accepted? It wasn't appearing in the appstore but now it is, but it won't download - Says I don't have the permission.